Which prospect has grown on you?

[Matty81]

I've never seen a player like Ritchie. He was solidly in the 6-8 range when the season ended and with no hockey being played has been talked up the draft board in the offseason without touching a puck. Saw sportsnet had him 3rd in their list yesterday.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by nik-

That's what I'm betting. The moving over to Ritchie lately has coincided with the recent comments.

For me it is just about learning more about the prospect. I think people have valid concerns because some of these "power forward' prospects bust out. But the combination of size and skill is intriguing for sure. A guy like that, if he hits, can be such an x-factor that few teams can match.

I don't want him at 4 - but if the Flames move down I take him over MDC.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Nylander probably grew on me the most. He had a difficult time in the first half, but really excelled in the second. Lots of teams this year, lots of change, and playing very well against men. I can understand why Florida is apparently willing to drop down for him.

[Coach]

After watching the Burke interview about the draft and the lieing that goes on, I think he's pimping Ritchie to try and get Edmonton to take him out of spite for Burke. It would be stupid of them to do so, obviously, but we know the history and you have to think Lowe has been looking for a way to get to him.

[Huntingwhale]

Dal Cole. There was a special on him on the NHLN and it told his story about how his brother has autism and is prone to many seizures. The seizures cannot be stopped and all the family can do is make the house as safe as possible and sit beside him until the seizure passes. Michael often wakes up in the middle of the night to take care of his brother and help him through it. He said he will do anything in his power to become a top 6 forward so he can provide for his family. I couldn't find a video link but it was a really powerful story and I'll be rooting for Dal Cole to succeed even though we most likely won't get him.

[Browndog71]

Toss up for me between Ritchie/Draisaitl, but went with Ritchie. Intriguing blend of size and speed, which is something we don't really have (amongst other things the top guys bring)

Still prefer one of the Sam's, but will not be devastated if we get Ritchie or Draisaitl...

[Bingo]

would be interesting if the Flames moved down to say 7, picked up a 2nd rounder, took Ritchie, then packaged the 2nd rounder and the Colorado 2nd rounder, moved into the middle of the first round and then added say Sanheim

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Bingo

would be interesting if the Flames moved down to say 7, picked up a 2nd rounder, took Ritchie, then packaged the 2nd rounder and the Colorado 2nd rounder, moved into the middle of the first round and then added say Sanheim

Do that - but add in a wrinkle where Fleury drops to say 13/14 - and the Flames are able to move up and walk out of the draft with him as well.

Asking too much?

[Drury18]

Originally Posted by huntingwhale

dal cole. There was a special on him on the nhln and it told his story about how his brother has autism and is prone to many seizures. The seizures cannot be stopped and all the family can do is make the house as safe as possible and sit beside him until the seizure passes. Michael often wakes up in the middle of the night to take care of his brother and help him through it. He said he will do anything in his power to become a top 6 forward so he can provide for his family. I couldn't find a video link but it was a really powerful story and i'll be rooting for dal cole to succeed even though we most likely won't get him.

Here's the link. Doesn't seem to want to embed on the board and work: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=703660

His Mom also survived Breast Cancer (which almost killed her) when he was young as well. He seems to have had nothing but adversity thrown at him and yet appears to be a well adjusted person. |

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by drury18

here's the link. Doesn't seem to want to embed on the board and work: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=703660

his mom also survived breast cancer (which almost killed her) when he was young as well. He seems to have had nothing but adversity thrown at him and yet appears to be a well adjusted person. |

Thanks. Fixed the link.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by _Q_

Draisatl for me.

I was going to pick him as well but waffled and picked Bennett as I like how ha handled the whole chin up thing. It seems the more I read about him the more I think he's the special player in this group.

[ForeverFlameFan]

I picked Reinhart. At first, I was just like "cool, we can get him because we have a brother already." But now, He is definitely on the top of my list, even probably before Ekblad. It's probably why I am more open to trading for Buffalo's pick because Ekblad and Reinhart are going to be difference makers, franchise players imo.

Bennett and Draisaitl are great consolation prizes. I love Bennett's game, and I like that Draisaitl put up points without any clear top line teammates on his team. Sounds familiar... I am start to accept Ritchie as the days go by, but the other 4 are still better options.

[FlamesAddiction]

It's odd to me that Dal Colle has been consistently ranked in the top 5 since last year, by a number of sources; but he seems to get the least amount of attention. I see more discussion about guys like Ritchie, Nylander and Ehlers.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

It's odd to me that Dal Colle has been consistently ranked in the top 5 since last year, by a number of sources; but he seems to get the least amount of attention. I see more discussion about guys like Ritchie, Nylander and Ehlers.

20 points in only 12 playoff games. Some team is going to benefit greatly from the other prospects being over hyped pre-draft. IMO he has a chance to be the best forward out of this draft when all is said and done as he's accomplished all this despite the hurdles in his personal life and being one of the youngest draft eligible players. He will probably fill out as a 6'3" 220 lb scoring winger that will be able to keep up with the NHL's fastest skaters.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

20 points in only 12 playoff games. Some team is going to benefit greatly from the other prospects being over hyped pre-draft. IMO he has a chance to be the best forward out of this draft when all is said and done as he's accomplished all this despite being one of the youngest players and will probably fill out as a 6'3" 220 lb scoring winger that will be able to keep up with the NHL's fastest skaters.

I agree. For some reason Ritchie is getting the late hype that Dal Colle should be getting imo.

[Savvy27]

Who knows? With Burke suggesting that teams are lying to each other and to fans around the draft, seems plausible that they are floating lies to the media too. Maybe Ritchie is starting to get more attention because teams are hoping that the potential of all that size and strength will tempt a team to pass over Dal Colle or Reinhart.

Spoiler!

Or maybe Ritchie is completely deserving... I dunno, have only seen him play in the top prospects game

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

20 points in only 12 playoff games. Some team is going to benefit greatly from the other prospects being over hyped pre-draft. IMO he has a chance to be the best forward out of this draft when all is said and done as he's accomplished all this despite the hurdles in his personal life and being one of the youngest draft eligible players. He will probably fill out as a 6'3" 220 lb scoring winger that will be able to keep up with the NHL's fastest skaters.

I was able to catch a few Generals games this year and one thing that always stood out to me were his clutch abilities. He really seems to come up big when it matters most.

[djsFlames]

Draisaitl's advanced stats are very intriguing. He truly carried the team on his back this year. Looked good at the WCs. His stock has grown immensely in my books.

[Rick M.]

His WC performance really cemented his spot in the top echelon for me, too. That and his team interviews.

[Teroy]

Dal Colle

Definitely not Richie